Helio case could engulf NASCAR

October 3, 2008
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helioIndy Racing League officials are about to find out if the old adage “There is no bad PR” holds true. The tax dodging scandal involving Helio Castroneves is about to get ugly. Very, very ugly. Forget the fact that Castroneves—sans his usual smile—was hauled into court today in shackles. This thing could engulf some very high profile NASCAR drivers. Trust me, the questioning on this has just begun.

Apparently, Castroneves’ tax and legal adviser Alan Miller also works with several NASCAR drivers who reside near the top of the leader board. No telling—yet anyway—if Miller has ties to other IRL drivers. A series-wide tax evasion scandal could bring the IRL—or NASCAR for that matter—to its knees.

Jimmie Johnson told reporters today he was “shocked” to learn of the tax-evasion charges made against Miller, who he called his friend and attorney. A federal indictment accuses Miller of directing Castroneves in failing to report $5.55 million in income to the Internal Revenue Service between 1999 and 2002. Miller, who also represents NASCAR driver Casey Mears among others, faces 20 years in prison if convicted. The prospect of spending 20 years in the big house should get Miller talking, if there are others to implicate.

Castroneves, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, today in a Miami courtroom pleaded innocent to the tax evasion charges.

Like I said, this could get ugly. No bad PR? We’re about to find out.
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  • StanOctober 3, 2008 4:16 PM
    Kyle Busch fired Miller back when he was at Hendrick. You're right Anthony, this is going to get really ugly. This is 'grab a box of popcorn' worthy.

    Maybe Penske can hire Larry Curry to be Helio's prison coach. :lol:

    Check out this awesome photoshop! http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8ce22b3127ccec512b00ae03b00000040O00KbOGrZoxYg9vPgY/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
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  • Brett in IndyOctober 3, 2008 5:02 PM
    No telling—yet anyway—if Miller has ties to other IRL drivers. A series-wide tax evasion scandal could bring the IRL——to its knees...

    Good. Karma is a bitch. I hope FTG and Princess Pout Alot are also involved.
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  • JohnOctober 3, 2008 9:35 PM
    From the Google cache of Miller's bio page:

    http://tinyurl.com/3q2bkr


    Mr. Miller represents or has represented a substantial number of NASCAR teams and drivers including, Jimmie Johnson, (2006 – 2007 NASCAR Champion); Clint Bowyer (2007 3rd place); Casey Mears; David Gilliland, Erin Crocker, Bill Lester, Robert Yates Racing and Michael Waltrip Racing Holdings, LLC (NASCAR); Helio Castroneves, Adrian Fernandez, Danica Patrick Racing, Anthony Foyt IV, Alex Zanardi, Gil de Ferran; Ron Fellows, Marty Smith (ESPN), Mark Dyer (Motorsports Authentics), Subway Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust, Just Marketing, Honda Performance Development, Herb Fishel, Mike Kranefuss and numerous other teams, drivers, manufacturers and motorsports related persons or entities.
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  • StanOctober 3, 2008 9:42 PM
    From the Google cache of Miller’s bio page:

    Stellar find! Funny how the site http://www.alanrmillerpc.com/ is 'down for maintenance'. I'm sure that's just a coincidence. :lol:

    Just Marketing and Subway on that list. Goodbye, unsigned earl title sponsor (not that they were going to anyway). I hope Zak Brown does some hard time on general principle.
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  • DaHooeyOctober 4, 2008 7:56 AM
    More good news for the EARL. How do i get vs.?

    :lol:
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  • Sarah P.October 6, 2008 10:46 AM
    Say it aint so, Helio, say it aint so! Unfortunately, I have a feeling it is very much so.
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  • IndymanOctober 6, 2008 12:18 PM
    Fascinating how brett and stan seems to think this is an IRL problem and will bring them down. I guess when you were a fan of the c>rt/owrs/ccws, you were used to one man making or in their case breaking the series. How many bankruptcies did they go through?
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  • Brett in IndyOctober 7, 2008 7:41 PM
    I'll take financially bankrupt over the morally bankrupt irl and Hulman-George inbred family. How many businesses has the EARL destroyed? NorthernLightsout, Foldsmobile, and countless race teams. The EARL is Key Liquidators biggest account. How's that title sponsor coming? LMAO...
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